[Botany • 2025] Herpetospermum motuoensis (Cucurbitaceae) • A New Species from Xizang, China

 

Herpetospermum motuoensis Y. S. Chen & B. Y. Zhang,

in Zhang, Liu, Xu, Song et Chen, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.3.8 

 Researchgate.net/publication/390876607

 

Abstract

Herpetospermum motuoensis (Cucurbitaceae: Schizopeponeae) is described and illustrated as a new species. It is similar to Herpetospermum operculatum but can be easily distinguished by the inconspicuous bracts of the male flowers (vs. bract of male flowers prominent), petals subrounded to elliptical (vs. petals ovate to obovate), ovules 6 per locule (vs. ovules 8 per locule), stigma subrounded to broadly elliptic (vs. stigma oblong–ovate), fruits are chartreuse, fusiform to ellipsoid–fusiform and glabrous (vs. oblong to ellipsoid–fusiform and pubescent), seeds are irregular oblong-hexagonal, margin with protrusion at each corner (vs. seed ± round, margin with irregular acute erose).

Eudicots, new species, Cucurbitaceae, taxonomic, Xizang

Herpetospermum motuoensis.
A. Habitat; B. Habit; C. Tendril; D. Leaves; E. Male inflorescence;
F. Top view of male flower; G. Back view of male flower; H. Longitudinal section of male flower;
I. Top view of female flower; J. Back view of female flower; K. Longitudinal section of female flower;
L. Fruits; M. Longitudinal section of fruit; N. Cross section of fruit; O. Seeds.

A-O: all photos by Bu-Yun Zhang based on the type, B. Y. Zhang, Y. D. Xu, G. F. Liu et X. R. Zheng JZ20231191 (IBSC).

Herpetospermum motuoensis Y. S. Chen & B. Y. Zhang, sp. nov.

Bu-Yun ZHANG, Hou-Zhou LIU, Ye-Chun XU, Zhu-Qiu SONG and You-Sheng CHEN. 2025. Herpetospermum motuoensis (Cucurbitaceae), A New Species from Xizang, China.  Phytotaxa. 697(3); 288-293. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.3.8 [2025-04-17]

  Researchgate.net/publication/390876607_Herpetospermum_motuoensis_a_new_species_from_Xizang_China

http://english.scib.ac.cn/news/202504/t20250418_1041501.html

https://english.cas.cn/newsroom/research_news/life/202504/t20250418_1041512.shtml

[Herpetology • 2025] Anolis torresfundorai • A Revision of the Anolis carolinensis subgroup (Squamata: Anolidae) supports three species in Cuba, including A New cryptic Species

 

Anolis torresfundorai 

Torres, Reilly, Nuñez-Penichet, Reynolds & Glor, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e152054

 

Abstract

Cuba is the only landmass with more than one species in the Anolis carolinensis subgroup. We test the hypothesis that three rather than two distinct species occur on Cuba, based on substantial prior evidence of paraphyly. To test this hypothesis, we collected phenotypic data from all described species in the subgroup, including eastern and west-central Cuban populations of A. porcatus, and assessed phenotypic diagnosability using uni- and multivariate analyses. We also examined geographic isolation using all available occurrence records for Cuban lineages. Additionally, we conducted ecological niche modeling and niche overlap analyses, considering only Cuban lineages, to test for ecological differentiation. Finally, we reconstructed phylogenetic trees, incorporating all species from the subgroup for the first time. Our results support the recognition of three species in Cuba: A. allisoni and eastern and west-central A. porcatus as two distinct cryptic species, showing minimal phenotypic differentiation but clear geographic isolation, distinct ecological niches, and deep genetic divergence. We restrict the name A. porcatus to west-central Cuba, with Havana as the type locality, and formally describe the eastern Cuban populations as Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov., designating Baracoa, Guantánamo, as the type locality.

Keywords: Genetic divergence, geographic isolation, green anoles, niche modeling, species delimitation, sublabial scales

Life coloration of phenotypically alike Cuban green anoles.
 Left panel: adult males Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. from Santiago de Cuba with dark brown and dark green paramedial stripes (top and bottom, respectively). The male in the top is in transition to dark phase.
Right panel: mating pair of A. porcatus from Havana with both individuals lacking the paramedian stripes. The female is in dark phase.

Photo credit: Alexis Callejas (A. torresfundorai sp. nov.) and Tomás M. Rodríguez-Cabrera (A. porcatus).

adult males Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. from Santiago de Cuba with dark brown and dark green paramedial stripes (top and bottom, respectively). The male in the top is in transition to dark phase.

Photos by Alexis Callejas

Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. 

Common name. Eastern Cuba Green Anole

Diagnosis. Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. is diagnosable from all species of the A. carolinensis subgroup. Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. was not unambiguously differentiated from A. porcatus in either of the uni- or multivariate analyses (Tables 1, 2; Figs 2, S1–S12). Ultimately, A. torresfundorai sp. nov. was diagnosable from its cryptic relatives, Cuban A. porcatus and continental A. carolinensis, based on one categorical character, keelation of sublabial scales. These scales are heavily keeled in the former species and smooth in A. torresfundorai sp. nov. with occasional weak keelation that does not go beyond the 4th scale (Fig. 1). Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. differs from A. longiceps and A. maynardii in having a pink dewlap, yellow or pale yellow in the others. Anolis allisoni and A. brunneus have blue heads or torsos, green in A. torresfundorai sp. nov. Anolis smaragdinus has a more strongly keeled tail and is usually more homogeneous in coloration, with or without a faint mid-dorsal stripe or scapular spots. Additionally, only three members of the A. carolinensis subgroup occur in Cuba (A. allisoni, A. porcatus, and A. torresfundorai sp. nov.).

 

Etymology. The species epithet is a Latinized patronym honoring Emeritus Professor Orlando J. Torres Fundora, for a lifetime dedicated to the study and conservation of Cuban nature and the education of Cuban scientists at the University of Havana, Cuba.

   

Javier Torres, Dexter Reilly, Claudia Nuñez-Penichet, R. Graham Reynolds and Richard E. Glor. 2025. A Revision of the Anolis carolinensis subgroup supports three species in Cuba, including A New cryptic Species (Squamata: Anolidae). Vertebrate Zoology. 75: 107-126. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e152054

[Entomology • 2023] Nikoulabasis roseosticta • A New Species of Nikoulabasis (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) from Fiji

 

Nikoulabasis roseosticta

Beatty, Rashni, Cordero-Rivera & Marinov, 2023

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5383.2.2   

 Researchgate.net/publication/376408470

Abstract

Nikoulabasis roseosticta sp. nov. (holotype ♂, Fiji, Vanua Levu Island, Navuturerega creek, 6 August 2009, Christopher Beatty leg.) is erected as a new taxon. Illustrations of key characters and a distribution map are provided.

Odonata, Vanua Levu, Pacific Odonata, taxonomy, nomenclature, new species

Nikoulabasis roseosticta sp. nov. 

Christopher D. BEATTY, Bindiya RASHNI, Adolfo CORDERO-RIVERA and Milen MARINOV. 2023. Nikoulabasis roseosticta, sp. nov. from Fiji (Odonata: Coenagrionidae).  Zootaxa. 5383(2); 135-152. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5383.2.2 [2023-12-11] 

  Researchgate.net/publication/376408470_Nikoulabasis_roseosticta_sp_nov_from_Fiji 

[Entomology • 2024] Calesynthemis jeanlegrandi & Neocaledosynthemis gen. nov. • A remarkable new synthemistid from New Caledonia. Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Note on New Caledonian Synthemistidae and erection of a new genus (Odonata: Anisoptera: Synthemistidae s. str.)

Calesynthemis jeanlegrandi 

Fleck, 2024 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5403.3.2 

 

Abstract

The new species, Calesynthemis jeanlegrandi sp. nov., dedicated to the late Jean Legrand, is described and illustrated based on a single pair of specimens from Mont Panié, New Caledonia. The male of this large species has unusual strongly sinuous and distally down curved white cerci 7 mm long and exhibits on abdominal segment 10 a remarkable clump of strong setae mimicking a dorsal horn. The female wingspan slightly exceeds 100 mm. In addition, on the basis of adult and larval characters, Neocaledosynthemis gen. nov. is erected to accommodate two other New Caledonian synthemistids, Synthemis fenella Campion (type species) and Synthemis ariadne Lieftinck. New Caledonian synthemistids are probably more closely related to Parasynthemis Carle than to Synthemis Selys Longchamps, both from Australia.

Odonata, Mont Panié, Calesynthemis jeanlegrandi sp. nov., Neocaledosynthemis gen nov.

Günther FLECK. 2024. A remarkable new synthemistid from New Caledonia (Odonata: Anisoptera: Synthemistidae s. str.). Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Note on New Caledonian Synthemistidae and erection of a new genus.  Zootaxa. 5403(3); 320-330. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5403.3.2 [2024-01-22]

  facebook.com/Opie.odonates/posts/400401169316415

[Botany • 2025] Begonia ducii, B. quangnamensis, B. zonata, ... (Begoniaceae) • Five New Species from Vietnam

Begonia quangnamensis, B. zonata, B. ducii,
B. thuanchauensis and B. lii 

in Nguyen, Bui, Le, Pham et Lin, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.698.2.2 

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

Abstract

Over the past decade, our understanding of Begonia diversity in Vietnam has steadily grown, with numerous new taxa described. Most Begonia species in Vietnam exhibit highly restricted to moderately limited distributions, and many others have yet to be formally described and named. As part of our ongoing research on Vietnamese Begonia, we identified several previously unknown species within the country. After thorough morphological examination and a comprehensive review of the literature, we found that the characteristics of these specimens did not match any currently described Begonia species from Indochina, leading us to conclude that they are new to science. Here, we describe five new species: Begonia quangnamensis, B. zonata, B. thuanchauensis, B. lii and B. ducii.

biodiversity, endemism, Indochina, plant conservation, taxonomy, Vietnam, Eudicots

 

Cuong Huu NGUYEN, Huong Van BUI, Anh Tuan LE, Dien Van PHAM and Che Wei LIN. 2025. Five New Species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 698(2); 82-100. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.698.2.2 [2025-04-24]

  facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10228522618314031

[Herpetology • 2025] Microhyla roedderi • A New Species of Microhyla (Anura: Microhylidae), with an extended description of Microhyla nanapollexa from Vietnam

Microhyla roedderi 

 Hoang, Pham, Nguyen, Phan, Ziegler, Orlov, Jiang  & Do, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5566.2.6 

  Researchgate.net/publication/387824484

 instagram.com/thomas_ziegler_work_group

 

Abstract

Based on morphological and molecular evidences, we describe a new species of Microhyla (Nanohyla) from Deo Ca Mountain in Vietnam. The new species differs from congeners by high genetic divergences in 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA sequences (9.31–11.28 %), surpassing known genetic distances between other recognized species of the subgenus Nanohyla. The new species revealed to be sister to M. nanapollexa from Kon Tum Province, Vietnam. Based on new findings of the latter species, including the first known males, we provide an extended diagnosis of M. nanapollexa including the first record from Kon Tum Province, Vietnam.

Amphibia, Microhyla roedderi sp. nov., Deo Ca Mountain, khanh hoa, Phu yen, morphology, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy

Microhyla roedderi sp. nov.

Chung Van HOANG, Cuong The PHAM, Truong Quang NGUYEN, Tien Quang PHAN, Thomas ZIEGLER, Nikolai ORLOV, Jianping JIANG and Dang Trong DO. 2025. A New Species of Microhyla (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae), with an extended description of Microhyla nanapollexa from Vietnam.  Zootaxa. 5566(2); 347-369. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5566.2.6

  instagram.com/p/DEkHlcMs7za/?img_index=1thomas_ziegler_work_group

  Researchgate.net/publication/387824484_A_new_species_of_Microhyla_from_Vietnam

New species: Roedder’s Narrow-mouth frog (Microhyla roedderi)

https://www.d-roedder.de/2025/01/09/new-species-roedders-narrow-mouth-frog-microhyla-roedderi

[Botany • 2025] Alpinia arachniformis (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from New Ireland, Papua New Guinea

 

Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen, 

in Docot, Haevermans, Sule et Poulsen. 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-17291 

 x.com/AxelGinger 

Researchgate.net/publication/390905548

Abstract

During explorations of the ginger flora of the Bismarck Archipelago in 2013 and 2023, we made collections of the ginger genus Alpinia sensu lato, some of which had unusually elongated cincinni composed of distichously arranged bracteoles and in the present paper we conclude that these collections document a distinct species new to science, Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen. The choice of epithet refers to the spider-like appearance of the inflorescence. Similar morphology of the cincinni is found in other lineages of Alpinia, but our molecular analysis using the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) marker established a close relationship with A. oceanica from which the new species differs by having cincinni with more flowers and linear labellum. An ink drawing and colour plates, information on distribution and habitat, and provisional conservation status are provided for the new species as well as a key to species of Alpinia in the Bismarck Archipelago.

Keywords: Alpinia oceanica, Alpinia vittata, Bismarck Archipelago, ITS, Zingiberaceae

 

Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen
A. Pseudostem showing the sheaths and ligules. B. Inflorescences in different stages. C. Cincinnus with supporting bract. D. Flower (front view). E. Fruits.

Based from A.D. Poulsen et al. 2893 (type). Photos: A.D. Poulsen.

 Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis: Similar to Alpinia oceanica Burkill in the vegetative characters but differs by the erect inflorescence (vs mostly pendulous); exposed distal peduncle (vs hidden within sheaths); cincinni laxly arranged (5–8 mm apart) along the rachis, 3–11 cm long with 2 mm long stalk at base and composed of up to 15 flowers (vs congested, 3–7 cm long, sessile, up to 7); and linear labellum with a retuse apex (vs narrowly triangular, apex truncate).

Etymology: The elongated cincinni suggest a spider-like resemblance.

Rudolph Valentino A. Docot, Thomas Haevermans, Bernard Sule and Axel Dalberg Poulsen. 2025. Alpinia arachniformis (Zingiberaceae): A New Species from New Ireland, Papua New Guinea. Webbia. Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography. 80(1); 51-65. DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-17291

  x.com/AxelGinger/status/1913203038895907107

 Researchgate.net/publication/390905548_Alpinia_arachniformis_a_new_species_from_New_Ireland_Papua_New_Guinea

[Botany • 2025] Piper hongheense (Piperaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

 

Piper hongheense W.J. Zhao, C.Y. Hao & N.H. Xia, 

in Fan, Zhao, F. Su, Li, Ji, B.-F. Su, Xia et Hao, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.1.9

Photographs by R. Fan & C.Y. Hao, Illustration by F. Su

Abstract

Piper hongheense (Piperaceae), a new species from Yunnan Province of China, is here described and illustrated. Morphologically it is similar to Piper boehmeriifolium and Piper boehmeriifolium var. glabricaule, from which it can be easily distinguished by the combination of characters: height 0.7–1 m, leaves oblong-lanceolate to lanceolate, 10–16 cm × 2.5–4 cm, infructescences ±0.6 cm in diam., berries and bracts white when mature. The description of the new species includes photographs, a detailed description, notes on etymology, distribution and habitat, as well as a comparison with morphologically similar species.

Magnoliids, Asia, Honghe Prefecture, morphology, taxonomy, tropical flora

Line drawing of Piper hongheense W.J. Zhao, C.Y. Hao & N.H. Xia.
A branch with female infructescence; B adaxial surface of monopodial leaf on the left, and abaxial surface of sympodial leaf on the right; C detail of the leaf base and the prophyll; D magnified view of male inflorescence; E magnified view of the longitudinal section of male inflorescence; F stamen; G magnified view of female inflorescence; H magnified view of infructescence.

Illustration by F. Su based on the holotype.

Piper hongheense W.J. Zhao, C.Y. Hao & N.H. Xia, sp. nov.
 A habit; B adaxial surface of leaf; C abaxial surface of leaf; D adaxial surface of leaf base and petiole; E abaxial surface of leaf base and petiole;
F male spike; G female spike; H mature infructescence; I close-up of portion of the male spike; J close-up of portion of the female spike (some bracts were removed); K close-up of portion of the mature infructescence.

Photographs by R. Fan & C.Y. Hao based on the holotype.

Piper hongheense W.J. Zhao, C.Y. Hao & N.H. Xia, sp. nov. 

Erect subshrub, 0.7–1 m high, aromatic, dioecious. Stem greenish, terete, 3–4 mm in diameter, young branchlet sparsely puberulent, glabrescent, finely striate when dry, swollen at node. Leaf dimorphism present, prophyll 1–2 cm long. Sympodial leaf membranous to chartaceous, finely glandular, oblong-lanceolate to lanceolate, 10–16 cm × 2.5–4 cm, base subequilaterally truncate to oblique, one side rounded, the other tapered and acute; apex acutely acuminate to long acuminate, adaxially green and glabrous, abaxially pale greenish and sparsely puberulent on veins; petioles glabrous, 5–7 mm long; venation plinerved, veins 5–9, reticulate, uppermost distal pair of secondary veins alternate, arising 1–3 cm above base, reaching leaf apex, others basal. Monopodial leaf exhibits morphological similarities to sympodial leaf, with the primary distinction being that the base of monopodial leaf is predominantly ...

Rui FAN, Wen-Jing ZHAO, Fan SU, Yang LI, Xun-Zhi JI, Bao-Fen SU, Nian-He XIA and Chao-Yun HAO. 2025. Piper hongheense (Piperaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, China. Phytotaxa. 697(1); 129-137. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.1.9 [2025-04-10]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Psalidodon pessalii • A New Species of Psalidodon (Characiformes: Acestrorhamphidae) from the Upper Rio São Francisco Basin, Brazil, with Comments on Hasemania

 

Psalidodon pessalii

 Teixeira, Salvador, Mirande & Lima, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2024065

Abstract  

A new species of Psalidodon without an adipose fin and with an interrupted lateral line and scaleless caudal fin is described from a marshland area in headwater tributaries of Rio Paraopeba, Rio São Francisco basin, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The new species can be promptly distinguished from all members of the Acestrorhamphidae by the presence of an ossified canal segment on the dorsal portion of the preopercular laterosensory canal running across the posterodorsal tip of the fourth infraorbital and posterior portion of the fifth infraorbital (vs. preopercular laterosensory canal lacking an ossified canal segment in the fourth and fifth infraorbitals). The new species fits the classical definition of the genus Hasemania; however, a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis carried out herein to assess its phylogenetic relationships revealed it as the sister group of Psalidodon crenuchoides, new combination. Further, both species are deeply nested within the genus Psalidodon, as recently redefined, which led to the generic reallocation of the latter. Comments on the phylogenetic position of the new species, as well as its conservation status, are presented.

Psalidodon pessalii.
(A) Preserved holotype, ZUEC 18283, male, 41.5 mm SL;
(B) freshly collected paratype, ZUEC 6387, SL uncertain.

Psalidodon pessalii, new species 

Etymology.—The specific epithet honors our fellow ichthyologist Tiago Casarim Pessali. With the constant support of his family, he has contributed in many ways to the knowledge of the Brazilian freshwater fishes, especially those occurring in the coastal drainages of eastern Brazil in the State of Minas Gerais. A noun in the genitive case.

 

Tulio F. Teixeira, Gilberto N. Salvador, Juan Marcos Mirande and Flávio C. T. Lima. 2025. A New Species of Psalidodon (Characiformes: Acestrorhamphidae) from the Upper Rio São Francisco Basin, Brazil, with Comments on Hasemania. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 113(1); 131-142. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2024065 (3 April 2025)

Uma nova espécie de Psalidodon sem nadadeira adiposa, com linha lateral interrompida e nadadeira caudal sem escamas é descrita de áreas pantanosas de afluentes de cabeceira do rio Paraopeba, bacia do rio São Francisco, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A nova espécie pode ser prontamente distinguida de todos os membros de Acestrorhamphidae por apresentar um segmento de canal ossificado da porção dorsal do canal laterossensorial pré-opercular passando pela extremidade póstero-dorsal do quarto infraorbital e porção posterior do quinto infraorbital (vs. canal laterossensorial pré-opercular sem um segmento de canal ossificado no quarto e quinto infraorbitais). A nova espécie se enquadra na definição clássica do gênero Hasemania, no entanto, uma análise filogenética abrangente realizada para avaliar suas relações filogenéticas revelou tratar-se do grupo irmão de Psalidodon crenuchoides, nova combinação, e que ambas espécies estão profundamente aninhadas dentro do gênero Psalidodon, como recentemente redefinido, o que levou à realocação genérica da última. Comentários sobre a posição filogenética da nova espécie, bem como seu status de conservação, são apresentados.

[Ichthyology • 2025] Coloconger paucitubus • Species of the Eel Family Colocongridae (Order Anguilliformes), with Description of a New Species

Coloconger paucitubus, the holotype, MNHN 2006-0384. 

 

Ho, Smith & Pogonoski, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2024034 

Drawn by Y.-K. Kiang.

 Abstract  

The short-tail eel family Colocongridae is a group of small to moderately large eels found in the mid- to upper-continental slope of all oceans except the eastern and central Pacific. The taxonomy of this group is still poorly known, and many diagnostic characteristics have never been tested and verified. Museum specimens were examined, and data were taken by following methods provided in previous studies, as well as some newly introduced. A total of seven species are recorded for the only genus, Coloconger, including a new species described herein from the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. The diagnostic characters distinguishing species of Coloconger are discussed, comments are made on previous records, and a key to all known species is provided. Morphology of the post-metamorphic stage and transforming leptocephalus is also provided.

Coloconger paucitubus, new species, from the holotype, MNHN 2006-0384.
(A) Lateral view. (B) Lateral view of head. (C) Dorsal view of head.

Drawn by Y.-K. Kiang.

Coloconger paucitubus, new species

English name: Solomon Short-tailed Conger

Diagnosis.—A species of Coloconger that differs from its congeners by having relatively few head sensory pores, total head pores usually 30–34, with 1 or 2 SO over posterior nostrils, IO usually 9 or 10, POM usually 11 or 12, and ST consistently 3; PDV 13–18, PAV 76–86, and TV 141–150; mouth cavity dark blue and gill chamber uniformly dark brown; rictus reaching vertical through posterior margin of pupil to posterior margin of eye; no anterior intermaxillary teeth; and body uniformly light brown to black, with lateral-line tubes darkened.

Etymology.—The specific name is a combination of Latin pauci (few) and tubus (tube), referring to the diagnostic low sensory tube (pore) count on the head in comparison to other species of the genus. A noun in apposition.

 Hsuan-Ching Ho, David G. Smith and John J. Pogonoski. 2025. Species of the Eel Family Colocongridae (Order Anguilliformes), with Description of a New Species. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 113(1); 154-178. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2024034 (10 April 2025)  

x.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1913275825081774130

[Paleontology • 2025] Novel Report of An Osteogenic Tumor in a late Jurassic Mamenchisaurid from Thailand

 

A reconstruction of a mamenchisaurid with a pathology evident in its left forelimb. 

in Kaikaew, Suteethorn et Chinsamy, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/joa.14266 

Artwork by Kmonvich Lawan.

Abstract

Here we report on an osseous abnormality and multiple fractures in an ulna of a subadult basal Eusauropod (Mamenchisauridae) from the Late Jurassic Phu Kradueng Formation in Thailand. The anatomical deformities were studied using a multi-method approach that included an assessment of its gross morphology, computed tomography (CT), and osteohistology to aid in its diagnosis. The intracortical lesion in the bone is irregularly shaped, has well-defined margins with scattered irregular bony trabeculae especially in its center, and it is surrounded by sclerotic bone and spiculated periosteal reactive tissue. The analysis of the radiology and the histopathological characteristics indicates that the lesion in the ulna is an osteogenic tumor, although we are unable to confidently commit to a more specific diagnosis. CT scan data indicated that the multiple fractures evident in the ulna occurred postmortem and are unrelated to the pathology. This is the first report of an osteogenic tumor in a basal Eusauropoda.

Keywords: bone tumor, Eusauropod, lesion, neoplasm, periosteal reactive

Mamenchisaurid ulna PN14-108.
 (a) Gross external morphology of the ulna in lateral view. (b) Gross external morphology of the ulna in medial view. The box shows close-up images of the external area that connects intracortically. (c) A 3D reconstruction in posterior view based on CT data and virtual thin sections showing the pathologic bone. PL1 indicates a sagittal view, whereas P1–P3 indicates cross-sectional views. Scale bar equals 100 mm.

A reconstruction of a mamenchisaurid with a pathology evident in its left forelimb.

Artwork by Kmonvich Lawan.

CONCLUSIONS: 

The paleopathology in the ulna of the 150-million-year-old mamenchisaurid from Thailand is identified as having an osteogenic tumor in the posterior metaphysis of the bone. Using a combination of anatomical observations, CT scan data, and osteohistology of the afflicted region of the ulna, we can rule out several pathologies (such as osteosarcoma, osteomyelitis, intraosseous abscess, stress fracture, and hemangioma), but the nature of the specific pathology in the mamenchisaurid remains elusive. Definitive diagnoses of a bone pathology in modern animals can sometimes be extremely challenging (e.g., Maxie, 2015), especially because different bone tumors often have similar characteristics (e.g., Thompson & Dittmer, 2017). Thus, here we prefer to err on the side of caution, fully aware that we do not even have soft tissue to assist in the diagnosis. The osteohistological data permitted the identification of the individual as a subadult, that is, an individual that had passed its most rapid phase of growth but was still growing. In addition, using both the CT scan data and the histological sections, we were able to identify the fractures in the bone as unrelated to the pathologic response and likely caused by taphonomic damage to the bone. Overall, our findings contribute to knowledge of dinosaur paleopathologies and shed insight into the biology of basal sauropods.

 

Siripat Kaikaew, Suravech Suteethorn and Anusuya Chinsamy. 2025. Novel Report of An Osteogenic Tumor in a late Jurassic Mamenchisaurid from Thailand. Journal of Anatomy. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/joa.14266 [24 April 2025]

 

An isolated posterior cervical vertebra of a sauropod discovered at Phu Dan Ma (Kalasin Province, northeastern Thailand) is the first informative postcranial specimen from the Phu Kradung Formation, a Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous continental unit. The vertebra is referred to the family Mamenchisauridae, otherwise mainly known from China. In addition, spatulate teeth from the same formation and a mid−dorsal vertebra from the Upper Jurassic Khlong Min Formation of southern Thailand are reassigned to this family. The occurrence of mamenchisaurids in the earliest Cretaceous of Thailand supports a hypothesis of geographical isolation of Central, Eastern, and Southeast Asia during the Late Jurassic. It also suggests that the main changes in their dinosaur assemblages occurred during the Early Cretaceous, rather than at the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary.

Key words: Dinosauria, Mamenchisauridae, Jurassic, Cretaceous, Thailand.

Suravech Suteethorn, Jean Le Loeuff, Eric Buffetaut, Varavudh Suteethorn and Kamonrak Wongko. 2012. First evidence of a mamenchisaurid dinosaur from the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous Phu Kradung Formation of Thailand. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 58 (3): 459–469. DOI: doi.org/10.4202/app.2009.0155

[Entomology • 2025] Perigrapha belyalovi • A New Species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae) from Central Asia

 Perigrapha belyalovi Volynkin & Titov, sp. nov. 

P. heidi Hreblay, 1996

P. centralasiae Bartel, 1906 

in Titov, Volynkin, Tóth et Rakhimov, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.83.1 

Researchgate.net/publication/389889466

Abstract

A new species of the genus Perigrapha Lederer, 1857, Perigrapha belyalovi Volynkin & Titov, sp. n. is described from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The diagnostic comparison is made with the sympatric Perigrapha centralasiae Bartel, 1906 and the allopatric Perigrapha heidi Hreblay, 1996. Adults as well as male and female genitalia of all three species are illustrated.

Key words: Balkhash-Alakol Depression, Dzhungar Alatau, Orthosiini, Perigrapha centralasiae, Perigrapha heidi, Tien Shan

Figures 1-8. Adults of Perigrapha spp. 

 Perigrapha belyalovi sp. nov. and P. heidi Hreblay, 1996

Depositories of the specimens: 1-3 and 5 in CAV; 4 in ZISP; 6 in MH/HNHM; 7 and 8 in BBM (photos by B. Benedek).

Figures 9-16. Adults of Perigrapha centralasiae. 

Depositories of the specimens: 9-13 in CAV; 14-16 in ZISP.

Collecting site of  Perigrapha belyalovi sp. nov. and P. centralasiae:
SE Kazakhstan, Zhetysu Region, Sholak Mts, 750m, 43°__N 77°__E, 20.III.2024 (photo by S. Titov).

Sergey V. Titov, Anton V. Volynkin, Balázs Tóth and Ruslan D. Rakhimov. 2025. Perigrapha belyalovi, A New Species from Central Asia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae). Ecologica Montenegrina. 83; 1-11. DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.83.1

 Researchgate.net/publication/389889466_Perigrapha_belyalovi_a_new_species_from_Central_Asia 

[Botany • 2025] Vrydagzynea suddeei (Orchidaceae: Goodyerinae) • A New Species from southeastern Thailand with field observations on its pollination biology

 

Vrydagzynea suddeei  Chuchuea & Seelanan

in Chuchuea et Seelanan, 2025.

เอื้องพรุสุดดี  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.698.1.2 

 facebook.com/chanachonnatural 

 Abstract

Vrydagzynea suddeei, a new species discovered at Trok Nong Nature Trail in Namtok Phlio National Park, Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, is described. Vrydagzynea suddeei is distinct from V. deliana in having larger, greyish-green leaves with a central silver stripe, and a labellum with entire apical margins, a minutely bilobed apex, and papillae on the upper surface. A detailed morphological description, illustrations, distribution, habitat, phenology, and a comparison with similar species are provided, along with a key to all known Vrydagzynea species in Thailand. Vrydagzynea suddeei employs females of sweat bee Lipotriches (Maynenomia) sp. as its pollinators, offers nectar as a reward, and is not capable of autonomous self-pollination or agamospermy.

Monocots, Cranichideae, endemism, floral reward, Halictidae, Orchidoideae, plant taxonomy, reproductive success

Vrydagzynea suddeei Chuchuea & Seelanan

เอื้องพรุสุดดี, เอื้องพรุตรอกนอง

CHANACHON CHUCHUEA and TOSAK SEELANAN. 2025. A New Species of Vrydagzynea (Orchidaceae: Goodyerinae) from southeastern Thailand with field observations on its pollination biology.  Phytotaxa. 698(1); 15-27. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.698.1.2 [2025-04-22]

 facebook.com/chanachonnatural/posts/9753444978045297